THE potential damage that US-European tariffs could cause to the throughbred industry was discussed by the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders Association (EFTBA) at its annual general meeting in Newmarket this week.

In April President Trump’s administration announced it planned to introduce a 20% tariff on almost all European imports. The European Union responded by saying it would reciprocate unless an agreement could be negotiated.

This week the EU said that it hoped to agree a tariff deal “in the coming days”.

The EFTBA delegates also discussed the implications of the recent EU-UK summit which saw a “reset” in relations between the two parties. The British government has said the reset with its biggest trading partner would reduce red tape for “agricultural producers”.

Also discussed this week was the EU’s proposed animal transport regulations which threaten to restrict the cross-border movements of breeding stock and sales horses.

Much of the Federation’s efforts have been dedicated to identifying and championing a workable solution at EU level to mitigate the potentially devastating implications should the proposed regulations become law. The EFTBA Executive, guided by its veterinary consultant Des Leadon, has been working relentlessly on a solution. The EFTBA hopes to receive an update on this subject in September, as this is when a trio log of the EU Commission, EU Council of Members and the EU MEPs are due to make a final ruling on the regulations.

It was agreed by delegates there is merit in making a fresh approach to all the major auction houses to advocate for mandatory EHV vaccinations to be made a condition of sale. It was suggested all European breeders should be informed that the International Codes of Practice recommends vaccination of this kind.

The EFTBA has been asked to participate in the European Food Safety Authority’s horse breeding data survey. The deadline for submissions is July 15th.

EFTBA recently established a series of sub-committees to look at important “housekeeping matters” such as reviewing the Federation’s statutes and website upgrade.

Joe Hernon, EFTBA chairman, said: “The Federation will continue to combat against the serious threats facing Europe’s thoroughbred breeding industry, our fellow breeders and their livelihoods, while ensuring equine wellness is at the centre of all our actions and decisions.”